India is the land of fairs and festivals and Holi is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated in the country. Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna, all over India with great joy and enthusiasm. The month of Phalguna corresponds with the months of February-March of the English calendar. The festive celebrations of Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon and Gokul are particularly famous. It is marked by fun, frolic, dance, sweets and playing with gulal (color) during the day. A night before the color play festival, a ritual called Holika Dahan is performed.
Holika Dahan refers to a holy bonfire, which is made by burning logs, dried branches and leaves. It is done to signify the burning off of all evils and elders of the family bless the younger members by applying color on their faces. Holika Dahan is also known by the name of Holika Deepak. The legend behind Holika Dahan is related with the story of Prahalad, the devout worshipper of Lord Krishna. His father, Hiranyakashyap was a powerful king, who was a non believer and wanted to kill his son for not obeying him. Holika, the king’s sister was blessed with the boon of not being able to be killed by fire. So he asked her to take Prahalad in her lap and sit in fire. But Holika was burnt and Lord Krishna saved Prahalad. Here is how the festival of Holika Dahan originated.
Holika Dahan 2018 Puja Date and Mahurat Timing
The Hindu festival of Holi falls on Wednesday, 1st March, 2018, which is also the Purnima or full moon day of the month of Phalguna. Rangwali Holi falls on 2nd March, 2018.
Purnima Tithi begins at 08:57 on 1st March, 2018
Purnima Tithi ends at 06:21 on 2nd March, 2018
Holika Dahan Mahurat from 18:06 to 20:47
Bhadra Punchha from 15:54 to 16:58
Bhadra Mukha from 16:58 to 18:45
Duration: 3 Hours, 30 Minutes
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